Castle Danger Brewing

The North Shore is home to some great breweries, most of which are located in Duluth. But you’d be missing out if you didn’t head a half hour north to a little town called Castle Danger where Clint and Jamie MacFarlane own and operate Castle Haven Cabins and Castle Danger Brewery.

The cabins alone would make the trip worthwhile but it’s the beer brewed on site (since 2010) that makes it extra special.

It could be argued that Castle Danger Brewery has the best view of any brewery in the state and Clint does not take that for granted. Operating in what appears to be the cleanest brewery around, Clint and lifelong friend and brewer Mason Williams churn out a wide variety of beers including their year-round offering—Danger Ale.

Danger Ale is a Pale Ale that you can tell Clint spent some time formulating. This flagship beer comes in at 6% ABV and is nicely balanced between the bready malt and the hops.

Gale Force Wheat is their early summer seasonal brew, which packs a hop punch of 77 IBU’s due to the addition of Cascade, Citra, and Hallertau hops. True to the Hefeweizen style, it also has that distinct banana clove touch and is topped off with some orange zest.

Double Crossing IPA is a monster of a beer at 9.1% ABV, but you would never know by taking a sip as it sneaks up on you rather quickly. It is loaded with hops, four pounds per barrel to be exact, giving it a nice grapefruit flavor. Double Crossing IPA was created in honor of the two-year anniversary of the brewery.

What’s really exciting is that Castle Danger Brewing has plans to open a taproom just south of their current location in Two Harbors, Minnesota at 17 7th Street. The plan is to do most of the brewing at the new location where they will operate a canning line, while still brewing special or experimental batches at the original brewery. It should be noted that when the taproom opens growler sales will no longer be available at the original brewery, only at the taproom.

Many of their beers are currently available at the brewery in a growler for $15 (filled) or $10 for refills. You can find them on tap at many locations along the North Shore, and they will also be pouring at All Pints North this weekend up in Duluth. Go here to purchase your tickets to this event.

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Ryan Tuenge is an avid home brewer and craft beer lover who
is not afraid to spend his last $5 on a pint of beer at the local pub.
As a member of the Minnesota Home Brewers Association, Ryan has tried a wide variety of beers and has toured many of the local breweries. He also has a blog about craft beer in Minnesota. He likes to read, write and travel with his wife. Follow him on Twitter @lodgefather.